Human lung transplantation

Abstract

The 38th attempt at allotransplantation of a human lung is described in a patient with injury due to smoke inhalation. The innovative features in the procedure included prolonged support with an extracorporeal membrane oxygenator during and for four days following transplantation, pharmacologic control of platelet function with sulfinpyrazone, continuous monitoring with a fiberoptic ear oximeter, and pretreatment of the transplanted lung with cytotoxic drugs. The patient survived until the 18th postoperative day, with no evidence of tissue rejection, but he died following ischemic disruption of the bronchial anastomosis. We conclude that the major determinant in the future of human lung transplantation is related to the establishment of a bronchial arterial supply to the transplanted bronchus.